Best Bluetooth Receiver for Cars

Best Bluetooth Receiver for Cars

You could be a professional sound and recording engineer always experimenting with musical notes and tunes or could be a music buff with a yen for melodies and songs. Whatever be the motivation behind your penchant for music, you’re tired of dealing with the messy cables or wires that connect to your smartphone’s headset. You long wish for something that helps you get rid of cluttering wires when you’re listening to your favorite numbers while you’re at home or on the move. How about going wireless? Welcome to the world of Bluetooth receivers for car.

Defining a Bluetooth receiver for car audio, it is basically a tiny gadget for catching and receiving 2.4GHz signals from other compliable Bluetooth appliances. As for the Bluetooth technology, it is a patented wireless transmittance standard exploited by digital devices such as computers and smartphones for communicating between and amongst themselves without internet connectivity. Bluetooth receivers or adaptors serve as wireless transitional links for sharing and transferring different types of files (like music or video files) between and amongst compatible devices.

In this respect, you can stream audio files from a smartphone or laptop to your car’s audio player via a Bluetooth receiver for car stereo and enjoy your favorite songs. The Bluetooth receiver for car stereo relieves you from the hassle of having to deal with wires or cords that inevitably get tangled. Using a Bluetooth adaptor for wireless streaming of music is also more convenient than linking the Aux-In of the car’s hi-fi system with your smartphone through a 3.5mm jack.

On the other hand, opting for a Bluetooth receiver for car aux-input works out considerably cheaper than upgrading to a brand new car stereo that is Bluetooth compatible.

Value Section

Nowadays, music aficionados and enthusiasts archive their collections in their portable gadgets including smartphones, tabs, and laptops. Wireless streaming apps like Pandora or Spotify help in transferring audio files between the car’s AV receiver and the Bluetooth receiver for car speakers. However, music streaming using the Bluetooth receiver as a via media will be possible if and only if the smartphone and the car stereo are A2DP (advanced audio distribution profile) compliant.

Though most brands of smartphones happen to be compliant with A2DP, there’s a high possibility that your vehicle’s audio system may be incompatible with this profile. Majority of the brands and models of automobiles support Bluetooth protocols for hands-free phone calls only. Towards this end, a Bluetooth receiver for car comes in supremely handy for wireless audio streaming as it is embedded with a chip supporting the A2DP profile.

Factors to consider before choosing a Bluetooth receiver for car stereo

The sheer variety of Bluetooth receivers available in the market can surely puzzle you. So, what aspects do you need to bear in mind before you can select a best Bluetooth receiver for car? Consider the following factors carefully while you’re in the processing of picking and choosing a car audio Bluetooth receiver:-

The range of transmission:-The Bluetooth receiver for car aux input that you’ll be purchasing can be connected or paired with an array of compatible devices. These gadgets usually include your car’s audio speakers, wired or wireless headphones, a FM radio, and the music player of a smartphone. Do you wish to go for a Bluetooth receiver that can stream audio across an extensive distance, say up to 300 ft or will be comfortable with a gadget that is good enough for pairing within a distance of 35-40ft?

Bluetooth 2.0 or later versions of receivers are capable of being paired for communicating beyond a distance of 250 ft. The previous versions (Bluetooth 1.1) could transmit up to a maximum distance of 30-35 ft. So, if you wish to stream and enjoy music wirelessly in different environments including your car, home, and office, it’d be apt for the upgraded versions of Bluetooth receivers.

Profiles:-As mentioned before, there are specifically two distinct profiles of Bluetooth receivers for car auto connect that are generally required by motorists. One is the HFP (hands-free profile) that is required for connecting headsets with receivers for transferring and exchanging call data. On the other hand, the A2DP standard is the proprietary profile needed for sharing (intra and inter) of music or audio files through the car Bluetooth receiver.

Now, if you want the Bluetooth device to stream music as well as enable you to handle calls hands-free, you’ll have to go for one that supports both the standards. Naturally, such a gadget will be a tad more expensive than Bluetooth adapters that are compatible with only HFP or A2DP profile.

Pairing with other compatible devices:-No matter whatever brand of Bluetooth receiver you purchase, it goes without saying that the same should pair with the car’s dashboard stereo. Pairing is extremely crucial as the functionality prevents leakage of sensitive personal data. Alternatively, compatibility is important from the perspective of two distinct aspects.

First, the Bluetooth adapter or receiver should be competent for connecting with a range of compliant devices. Secondly, and more importantly, it should be backwards compatible or in other words, should be suitable for linking with earlier Bluetooth versions.

Basic features of a Bluetooth receiver for car speakers

Battery-operated or inbuilt charger:-The Bluetooth receiver for car comes with a jack section that can be directly plugged into the cigarette lighter when it needs to be charged. This type of receiver draws power from the car’s battery and so you don’t have to worry about its battery life, as it simply doesn’t have one.

On the other hand, there are wireless visor-type Bluetooth receiver kits that come with batteries which when fully charged allows you to enjoy music for 45 hours at a stretch. If and when kept on a standby mode, the battery charge lasts for a period ranging from four weeks to more than six months.

3.5mm jack input/Aux-in-This is the most basic feature of any Bluetooth receiver for vehicle audio. The 3.5mm jack input is inserted into the aux-in port of the car stereo for live streaming between the transmitter and the receiver.

Control Buttons:-A top-notch Bluetooth receiver for car usually has small buttons for controlling functions like playback, rewind (repeating the last track), and fast forward (jumping to the next or subsequent tracks). Some receivers just have a single button for monitoring the aforementioned functions.

Profiles:-The Bluetooth receiver that you buy for listening to songs wirelessly naturally has to be compliant with A2DP profile. However, if you want a receiver that reproduces stereophonic audio, choose a device that supports ‘aptX’ which is an upgraded version of A2DP.

Other features worth considering

HFP:-If you want to make and accept calls apart from listening to songs, then you’ll have to buy a Bluetooth receiver for car that is compatible with HFP profile besides A2DP.

Pairing with multiple devices:-If you wish to pair the receiver with more than one compatible gadget, then purchase a receiver device having multiple device connectivity option.

Muting control:-If you’re traveling with other passengers in your car, you’ll obviously have to join in conversations with them. So, having a muting button on the receiver comes in supremely handy during such occasions. Nevertheless, keep in mind that such a feature is not readily available on most Bluetooth receivers for vehicles.

Customer service and support:-Dedicated manufacturers of Bluetooth receivers designed for cars take feedbacks and inputs from customers seriously. Manufacturers of reputed products invariably offer at least 1-year warranty on Bluetooth receivers and are readily accessible in case you need to contact them for any issue or query you may have.

The Nulaxy Wireless Bluetooth FM Transmitter is one visor-styled car kit radio receiver that regularly features in most Bluetooth receiver for car reviews and for good reasons. This is a receiver device for car reinforced with Bluetooth 3.0 technology enabling the same to be paired simultaneously with a range of compatible digital gadgets for enjoying music on the go. The device has two built-in USB ports, one for streaming audio and the other for charging, both functions being achieved wirelessly.

The Bluetooth receiver has a prominent display exploiting LED technology for indicating the voltage rating of the car’s battery, and amount of charge remaining. The LED screen of this Bluetooth receiver for car stereo also displays the phone number of the caller as well as details of a song you’re listening. On one side of this Nulaxy Bluetooth adapter are recesses for connecting to the aux-in port of your vehicle and inserting a TF (TransFlash) card.

The cute looking and petite Mpow Bluetooth Receiver Streambot hands-free Bluetooth receiver for car audio kit pulls in much above its weight. This receiver boasts of Bluetooth 4.0 technology allowing it to reproduce audio of a very high quality. At the same time, it is also backward compatible enabling the same to be set up with your vehicle’s AV receiver having an older version of Bluetooth.

Also, this receiver from Mpow can be coupled with your home theater or music system, headphones of your smartphone, and even with gadgets that are not Bluetooth-compatible. It comes with a robust inbuilt battery that is effective enough for streaming music for 10 hours continuously and just takes about 1.5 hours to get fully charged. Of course, you can receive and forward calls while your hands are on the steering.

There are buttons on this Mpow Bluetooth receiver for car fm transmitter that lets you control the volume, skip a track, or rewind a song for repeat listening. The receiver has been fabricated from toughened materials that make it very hardwearing and is also supremely affordable costing under $16.00.

FEATURES

Equipped with state-of-the-art Bluetooth 4.0 technology

Compatible with not only compatible devices but also with Bluetooth incompatible ones

Flexible 3.5mm jack plugs into aux-inputs of different vehicles and ports of various digital gadgets

Non-stop stream of music for 10 hours with one full charge of battery

PROS

Equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 technology, the audio reproduced is definitely of a better quality than quality of sound generated by receivers with earlier versions

Can be paired with up to two compliable devices simultaneously for instance two smartphones or laptops

The transmittance range is 30 feet when not used in an enclosed space or outdoors provided there are no obstacles

You can accept calls or make calls hands-free while you’re tuned in

Can be used across different environments including but not limited to your car, home, and office

Long running life of battery which can also be completely charged quickly

CONS

The receiver has to be switched off before you disembark from your vehicle or else it’ll continue to stream music and you might also miss important calls: doesn’t switch on or off automatically

Pairing with some devices or switching pairing from one gadget to another might take some time

This Etekcity Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 is definitely one of the best Bluetooth receivers for cars as the same can be paired with a near endless range of companionable devices. Equipped with EDR (enhanced data rating) and Bluetooth 4.0, wireless music streaming to your car’s stereo system or your home theater system becomes a breeze. This receiver is also embedded with a powerful 200mAh battery that can be charged or recharged fully in about 2 hrs enabling you to listen to high-quality music perpetually for 10 hours.

This Bluetooth receiver for car FM transmitter supports NFC connectivity as well letting you pair the gadget with companionable devices in no time. The versatility of the Bluetooth adapter enables it be coupled through A/V input, 3.5mm jack, and RCA. Once the Bluetooth device is installed, it is capable of streaming music or audio within a maximum radius of up to 33 feet or 10 meters in case there are not obstructions.

The lightweight and compact design of the adapter from Etekcity not only makes it suitable for tucking away comfortably but also carrying it with ease.

FEATURES

Extremely lightweight and compact design: easy to store and take along

Bluetooth 4.0 compatibility: wireless streaming of music to companionable devices

Now can sit back, relax, and entertain yourself with sonorous music instead of fretting and fuming while you’re stuck in a traffic jam, thanks to Besign BK01, the best Bluetooth receiver for car. This advanced Bluetooth adapter acts as the perfect bridge between your compatible digital gadget (a smartphone, iPod or laptop) and the vehicle’s audio for playing music that is simply enchanting. Equipped with the latest Bluetooth v4.1 and EDR technologies, this receiver helps reproduce music with excellent sound quality and at the same time consumes minimal power.

Alternatively, harboring these advanced data transmitting and sharing technologies also translate into greater degree of compatibility with other digital devices. This Bluetooth receiver has a charger with two jacks allowing to you charge not only the adapter but other connectible devices simultaneously. Supporting multipoint connectivity, you can pair the hands-free wireless talking & music streaming receiver with up to devices at once.

FEATURES

Supports the most recent Bluetoothv4.1 and EDR technologies

Pairing with two compatible devices simultaneously

Dual-port charging

Ground loop noise isolator

Supports HFP (hands-free profile)

Blue and Red status indication LED lights

Inbuilt microphone with noise reduction

Switches on/off in tandem with vehicle’s ignition

PROS

Superior Bluetooth v4.1 technology together with EDR enables the receiver to reproduce high quality of sound with minimal power consumption

Suitable for linking up with a range of gadgets including a car audio, laptop, smartphone (both Android and iOS), and home theater system to name a few

Automatically connects with a gadget when turned on: remembers device last paired with

The SoundSync Drive from Anker has time and again made it to the top Bluetooth receiver reviews as it boasts of a surfeit of versatile features to be taken advantage of by music aficionados. The proprietary SoundSync Drive technology can be exploited to the hilt that renders the vehicle’s audio system BT compatible letting you have an immersive musical experience while you’re driving. At the same time, the receiver transmits incoming calls on the smartphone to the audio speakers letting you keep in touch throughout the trip.

This Bluetooth receiver for car speakers is embedded with a microphone which optimizes noise containment technology enabling both you and the caller to hear everything perfectly. Multipoint accessibility feature allows pairing the receiver with two smartphones all at once. Sweeping Bluetooth 4.0 compatibility facilitates in setting up the adapter with other compatible gadgets while the 3.5mm jack can be plugged into any vehicle’s stereo system having an Aux-in.

FEATURES

SoundSync Drive technology

Bluetooth 4.0 version for streaming music wirelessly

Across-the-board compatibility

Built-in microphone with noise cancellation

Control all functions with just three knobs

Compact and tiny size with adhesive back for stable installation

Weighs only 1 ounce

Dual port charger for simultaneous charging of paired devices

PROS

With dimensions of 1.8 x 1.8 x 0.4 inches and weighing simply 1oz, the receiver is a breeze to install on the car’s dashboard, store, and carry along

Easily paired with a stereo of any car model having an auxiliary input port

The Mpow Bluetooth receiver for car aux input comes in perfectly handy for upgrading your vehicle’s stereo to a BT device and very affordably as well. This receiver contains a sophisticated CSR Bluetooth 4.1 chip making the device compatible with aptX codec profile which is more advanced than A2DP. Reinforced with aptX codec technology, this Bluetooth receiver from Mpow is able to stream audio that sounds like pure music to your ears.

This Bluetooth receiver for car stereo also supports HFP1.6 profile enabling you to receive and make calls while your hands are on the steering wheel. The audio transmission range threshold is 33ft which guarantees that there are neither any signal drops nor delays. Pairing up the gadget is simple as well you’ll first have to switch on the Bluetooth of the smartphone and thereafter the receiver’s for getting started.

Mpow Bluetooth hands-free receiver for home/car audio stereo systems has been designed for simultaneous connecting with two companionable gadgets.

The TaoTronics Bluetooth Receiver/Car Kit can easily qualify to be a best Bluetooth receiver for car as it supports advanced data transfer and sharing technology. Compliant with Bluetooth 4.0 technology, this TaoTronics receiver is suitable for connecting with a variety of digital devices like smartphones, tabs, laptops, and for home theater or music systems. Nevertheless, the receiver is ideal for pairing up with your car’s stereo; simply plug in the 3.5mm detachable jack in the stereo’s aux-in port and you’re ready to go.

Integrating A2DP and HFP profiles, the Bluetooth audio receiver car is amenable for streaming music as well as accepting calls on a hands free basis. The dual connectivity feature serves the purpose when you wish to match 2 Bluetooth-enabled devices at the same time. You can even pair the receiver with gadgets that don’t have the Bluetooth feature. There is also a separate button for controlling the volume of the songs or music.

FEATURES

Incorporates the superior Bluetooth 4.0 technology

Supports A2DP and HFP profiles

Setting up with 2 devices at one go

Buttons for monitoring volume, rewind, forward play, skip, and pause

Siri and other voice command systems can be controlled via knob

Plays music continuously for 8 hours and standby time is 200 hours

PROS

Bluetooth 4.0 facilitates music streaming wirelessly from an array of compatible devices including but not limited to car stereos, home theater systems, and DVD players

The JINSERTA music audio stereo adapter easily qualifies to be a Bluetooth car receiver best buy as it costs under $6.00. However, this miniature Bluetooth receiver does not compromise on the quality or performance front just because it is priced lower than most comparable models available in the market. This adapter can be quickly and effortlessly set up with an assortment of devices featuring Bluetooth 2.1 (and beyond) including all Android and iOS gadgets starting from iPad, laptop, HTC and Samsung smartphones.

This Bluetooth receiver for car radio converts regular speaker units in your vehicle’s tape deck or home music system into BT amplifiers. The device measuring 2.1 x 1 x 0.4 inches and weighing just 0.6 ounces can be installed in a cramped space and flipped inside your trousers’ pockets. It comes with a microphone that is perfect for accepting and making calls without engaging your hands.

The Bluetooth adapter receiver has a maximum transmission range of 10meters or 30feet offering you full leeway in moving around in your home or office while enjoying music.

FEATURES

Bluetooth v3 + EDR (Class 2) data streaming profiles

Supports A2DP profile

Built-in mic for hands free calling

Transmission range up to 10m

3.5mm metallic jack for plugging into aux-ins of vehicles

The battery charges in about 2 hrs

Very compactly designed and lightweight

PROS

Compactness and lightness of the receiver makes it eminently suitable for installing anywhere easily as well as carrying the same without any problem

The receiver adapter from TSTAR is evidently one of the most versatile of Bluetooth receiver for car speakers and also has a high aesthetic appeal because of its drop-dead looks. This receiver adapter is sheathed inside a bullet-styled body fabricated from high grade of aluminum that makes it extremely hardwearing. The 3.5mm jack jutting out of the tapered end of the receiver can be plugged inside aux-in port of the stereo unit installed in any vehicle.

The Bluetooth receiver for car auto connect also features a microscopic V4.1 Bluetooth chipset that permits wireless audio streaming of exceptional quality. At the same, the gadget supports the latest data transmitting, exchanging and sharing profiles like A2DP, aptX codec, and HFP allowing you to enjoy music at its melodious best. Of course, you’re also able to handle calls while your hands are around the car’s steering wheel.

A chipset that is instrumental in muffling and cancelling out engine noise or external disturbance is also embedded inside the receiver’s IC. The adapter switches off on its own if the same remains unutilized for 10 minutes at a stretch.

FEATURES

Exploits Bluetooth v4.1 version

Maximum streaming range: 10m

Battery charging time: 2 hours

Maximum playback time when battery is fully charged: 5 hrs

Rechargeable battery

Across-the-board compatibility

Noise suppression chip embedded inside the receiver

Designed like a bullet for convenient installation and storing

PROS

Featuring an advanced Bluetooth version for smooth and hassle-free wireless streaming of superior quality audio

The LESHP mini wireless 3.5mm music/audio/stereo adapter receiver seamlessly blends good looks with versatility as the device is loaded with an array of useful features. At the same time, this Bluetooth receiver for car aux input is also extremely pocket-friendly costing under $10.00 much less than other comparable models available in the market. This adapter supporting the Bluetooth v3.0 + EDR (class 2) data streaming profiles is appropriate for setting up with car audio, regular speakers, home stereo system, and headphones.

At the same time, the Bluetooth receiver for car fm transmitter pairs with iPods, iPads, iPhones, and Android smartphones as well as with laptops, tabs, and PCs. The device gets powered and charged via a lithium-ion battery implanted inside and is capable of playing music for 3-4 hrs at a stretch. There’s a built-in mic that helps you to accept and make calls while you’re at the wheels.

FEATURES

Exploits Bluetooth v3 + EDR Class 2 technologies

Comprehensive compatibility

Good transmittance range

Comes with built-in battery and mic

Compact and portable

Ergonomically designed

Consumes minimal power: energy efficient

PROS

Can be paired with a comprehensive range of Bluetooth-enabled gadgets as well as with regular devices

The inbuilt battery charges up fully in about 2hours max

The receiver is capable of playing back audio for 3.5 hours on a full charge of the battery

Easy to set up and install

Lightweight and compact built makes the device suitable for installing it stably and tucking it away when not in use

CONS

The charging cable is prone to getting overheated more often than not

The volume of audio or music relayed via this receiver is very low

Many customers have complained about the product going kaput just after few days of use

Conclusion
The preference for keeping oneself entertained while driving by listening to music without having to deal with messy headphone wires has pushed up the demand for Bluetooth receiver for car. This article focuses on some of the best Bluetooth receiver for cars where a total of 10 receiver adapters have been evaluated against a set of prescribed quality parameters. These yardsticks include ‘streaming transmittance range’, profiles (A2DP, HFP, and aptX), ‘pairing capacity’, and ‘maximum playback time’ to name a few.
Choosing the best car audio Bluetooth receiver amongst the reviewed products is undoubtedly a complex task as one model is as good as another. Some receivers like Nulaxy, Mpow, Etekcity, Besign, and Tstar excel in every respect. If you have to choose the best amongst the lot, settle for Nulaxy that is extremely versatile.
Additionally, its attractive, eye-popping design matches that with the environment of your car. If you wish to go for something more topnotch, select the receiver from Besign. However, opting for the JINSERTA or the LESHP Bluetooth receiver both costing less than $10.00 may not be practicable.